Chapter 20 Low Profile

…
To avoid any mistakes, Su Niannian would practice in the training room on the second floor after dinner. She certainly had talent for dance, but it was diligence that kept her improving. Liu Tao wasn’t as ambitious — her family was well connected, with a brother who was a company commander in the army — there was no pressure on her, which is why after dinner, she tugged a few sisters from the dorm to go to the store, while Su Niannian stayed back, using a stomachache as an excuse.

When Su Niannian put on her practice shoes and entered the room, she noticed a dim light was already on. Pushing the door, she saw Squad Leader Liao Yu stretching her legs. Liao Yu hadn’t expected someone to come at this hour; a rush of embarrassment coloring her face — a mix of shame at being caught and vulnerability. Without thinking, she grabbed her army green shoulder bag and turned to leave.

Su Niannian hurriedly called after her, “Squad Leader, you’re here — that’s great. I’m unsure about a few moves. Could you help me?”

The short-haired Liao Yu remained icy-cold but eventually forced out a “Yes.”

As Su Niannian lowered her back, kicked up her leg, or fell into a step, the occasional small mistakes made Liao Yu ease up, letting the tense atmosphere slowly ease. Liao Yu even set aside her previously cold demeanor to demonstrate the moves. Her form might not be graceful — even somewhat stiff due to her injuries — but the spirit and discipline were far above ordinary performers.

It was said that Liao Yu was a superstar in the first team. Now that her position had fallen, it must weigh heavy on her. At Su Niannian’s deliberate guidance, their rapport grew. Liao Yu turned her back to Su Niannian and repeatedly practiced routines that were already imprinted in her muscle memory, until drops of sweat fell from her forehead to the floor. Her lashes trembled as she met Su Niannian’s worried gaze in the mirror. In that moment, Su Niannian quietly smiled and mouthed, “Keep it up!”

For a moment, Liao Yu felt something tug at her heart — a rush of warmth, a fleeting wish to cry.

…
On stage, the enthusiastic announcer was introducing the first team’s performance. The members of the second team were busy changing their outfits and putting on their makeup when a harsh rebuke came from their corner:
“This opportunity was secured for you! Liao Yu! Do you realize how much longer you can stay in the troupe? As team leader, shouldn’t you know what’s appropriate or not before a performance? I even put in a good word for you in front of the team leader to keep your lead-dancer spot — and this is how you pay me back?!”

Liao Yu’s voice trembled, nearly on the verge of collapse. “Teacher Fu, I’m… sorry…”

“Sorry? Is a simple ‘sorry’ enough to erase everyone’s hard work? How will you explain this to the rest of the team? If you can’t perform tonight, we’ll let the first team’s substitute take your place! We certainly do not need you —”

“I can perform.”
Liao Yu paused briefly, then pressed her back molars together. “Let Su Niannian go up instead.”

The curtain was suddenly pulled aside, and Su Niannian, still in the process of changing, was left staring in shock at Liao Yu and Teacher Fu. Liao Yu’s face was as pale as snow; even her normally straight back was hunched.

Su Niannian rushed forward and held her hand. “Squad Leader, what’s going on?”
Liao Yu tightened her grip, filled with hope. “Su Niannian, you saw all the routines I practiced last night. Tonight, can you lead our team’s performance?”

“…”
The opportunity fell upon her suddenly — a bit overwhelming for someone who had been a minor character until now.

Some members of the first team sneered, “Liao Yu, you’re really a curse… The second team’s luck drops with you.”
“That’s right. If you’re injured, just transfer out — there’s no need to bring down everyone else.”
“The so-called genius — what can a cripple do anyway? All the team’s suffering just for someone’s face…”

The first team’s attitudes were openly hostile toward Liao Yu, and even some women from the second team glared at her. After all, their routines had been rehearsed for days. If they couldn’t perform, the team would suffer. This was the first time Liao Yu had ever begged in front of Su Niannian — a moment made even more dramatic by her physical condition. The pressure fell squarely on Su Niannian’s shoulders — their collective fate resting on her decision.

Just as Teacher Fu was growing impatient and preparing to summon Jiang Xiaofei instead, Su Niannian suddenly raised her gaze. Firmly, she said, “OK!”

Everyone sighed in relief. Shortly afterwards, someone rushed Liao Yu to the infirmary.

Only Liu Tao tugged Su Niannian aside in panic and whispered from behind the curtains, “You big fool!! Do you really think this is just a rehearsal? Look at all the high-profile leaders sitting down there — the first row is filled with high-ranking officers. And Gu Zhiye is in the crowd, too.”

She turned her gaze further back — and suddenly, her pupils tightened, her heart missing a beat.
Sitting in the third row was a young man, dressed in black from head to toe. His expression was impassive, his gold-framed glasses glimmering faintly — it was none other than Jin Chuan.

How come he’s here?! Wasn’t he at the Black Province Research Institute?

For a moment, Su Niannian fell into a panic, a feeling of fate repeating itself. No… that’s impossible…

She turned her gaze back toward Gu Zhiye. She was no longer alone — there was someone by her side! So there was nothing to be afraid of!
That’s what she told herself, but Su Niannian quickly, under Liu Tao’s suspicious stare, grabbed the cosmetics from the table and started frantically applying them — first turning her pretty face a sickly yellow, then adding a thickening stroke to her eyebrows, and choosing a lipstick color that was hard to carry.

Liu Tao was left staring in disbelief. “Niannian, you…?”
Su Niannian straightened her clothes and said solemnly, “This performance is Squad Leader Liao’s chance. I shouldn’t steal the spotlight or add insult to injury.”
In reality, she was afraid. Whenever Jin Chuan was present, she kept a low profile.

…
As the opening notes flowed through the speakers, the members of the Second Squad fell into formation. They were all wearing the same outfits and performing the same routines — it was hard to tell them apart. Gu Zhiye even fell into a moment’s confusion before spotting his wife. The corner of his lips nearly turned up in a smile.

Commissar Jiang, whose eyesight was not as sharp, turned to someone nearby and asked, “May I ask, which one is Comrade Su Niannian?”

This form of address made the drowsy Jin Chuan lift his heavy eyelids. His gaze followed the person’s movement back and forth until it fell upon the lead dancer.
Jin Chuan paused, then clicked his tongue softly in disapproval. “So ugly.”